Woes to Scribes and Pharisees 1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: 2“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy, burdensome loadsa and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, 7the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.b 8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ. 11The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.c 15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of helld as you are. 16Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? 18And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred? 20So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it. 22And he who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the One who sits on it. 23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.e 25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish,f so that the outside may become clean as well. 27Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. 29Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. 30And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then,g the measure of the sin of your fathers. 33You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? 34Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town. 35And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36Truly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation. Lament over Jerusalem 37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! 38Look, your house is left to you desolate.h 39For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’i” Footnotes: 4 a SBL, NE, and WH They tie up heavy loads 7 b Literally and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by men 13 c BYZ and TR include 14Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. See Mark 12:40 and Luke 20:47. 15 d Greek Gehenna; also in verse 33 24 e See Leviticus 11:4 and Leviticus 11:23, where camels and gnats are both forbidden as food. 26 f NA does not include and dish. 32 g Or Go ahead, then, and complete 38 h NE and WH do not include desolate. 39 i Psalm 118:26 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Matthew 23 Summary Woes to Scribes and PhariseesVerses 1–4 – Authority without Integrity Verses 5–12 – Public Religion vs. Humble Service Verses 13–15 – Woes: Closing the Door and Making Sons of Gehenna Verses 16–22 – Woes: Blind Guides and Empty Oaths Verses 23–24 – Woe: Tithing Herbs but Ignoring Weightier Matters Verses 25–26 – Woe: Cleaning the Outside Only Verses 27–28 – Woe: Whitewashed Tombs Verses 29–36 – Woe: Murderous Heritage and Imminent Judgment Verses 37–39 – Lament over Jerusalem Matthew 23 unfolds as a stern warning against religious hypocrisy. In it, Jesus strongly criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their deceitful practices. His potent message underlines the importance of sincere worship, the dire consequences of leading others astray, and the profound sorrow over Jerusalem's unbelief. Historical Setting Matthew 23 unfolds in the Temple courts during the final week before the crucifixion, probably on Tuesday. Tension has peaked after Jesus’ triumphal entry and the cleansing of the Temple. Religious leaders challenge His authority; Jesus responds with this blistering yet compassionate indictment. The Pharisees and Scribes • Pharisees were lay scholars devoted to Torah and oral tradition. • Scribes (teachers of the law) copied, interpreted, and taught Scripture. Their zeal for minute regulations often eclipsed love for God and neighbor, a danger still relevant. The Seat of Moses Archaeologists found a carved stone chair in the 4th-century synagogue at Chorazin—an example of the “seat of Moses.” Such seats symbolized teaching authority. Jesus respects the seat (the Scriptures read from it) while censuring those who misuse it. Phylacteries and Tassels Phylacteries (Heb. tefillin) are small leather boxes containing passages such as Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Exodus 13:1-16, bound to arm and forehead. Tassels (Heb. tzitzit) hang from garment corners per Numbers 15:38. Enlarged versions advertised piety, contradicting the humble intent of these symbols. Seven Woes Explained 1. Closing Heaven (vv. 13 – keep others out). 2. Corrupt Proselytizing (v. 15). 3-4. Blind Oaths (vv. 16-22). 5. Neglecting Weightier Matters (vv. 23-24). 6. External Cleanliness (vv. 25-26). 7. Whitewashed Tombs (vv. 27-28). 8. Murdering Prophets (vv. 29-36). Matthew groups them as seven (the number of completeness) in literary form; Luke lists six similar woes (Luke 11). Blind Guides and Oaths They swore by the Temple but not the gold, by the altar but not the gift. Jesus already taught, “Do not swear at all… Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’” (5:34-37). God hears every word; no formula limits accountability. Tithes of Mint, Dill, and Cumin Mosaic Law required tithing produce (Leviticus 27:30). These leaders counted herb leaves yet overlooked “justice, mercy, and faithfulness” (Micah 6:8). Jesus endorses tithing—“These you should have practiced”—while restoring priorities. Whitewashed Tombs Before Passover, tombs outside Jerusalem were painted white so pilgrims would avoid ritual defilement (Numbers 19:16). The glossy exterior hid decay, mirroring religious show that masks moral death. From Abel to Zechariah Abel (Genesis 4) is first righteous martyr; Zechariah son of Berechiah was slain “between the temple and the altar” (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). Genesis to Chronicles spans the entire Hebrew canon; Jesus pronounces comprehensive judgment for shed blood. Jerusalem’s Desolation “Your house is left to you desolate” foreshadows the Temple’s destruction in AD 70 by Titus. Jesus’ lament balances truth with tears, underscoring God’s yearning that none perish (2 Peter 3:9). Themes of Authority and Servanthood • Authority is legitimate when applied to Scripture but corrupt when used for self-promotion. • True greatness is measured by service (23:11), echoing 20:28—“the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” • Titles (“Rabbi,” “Father,” “Instructor”) are acceptable in everyday life yet must never eclipse God’s unique authority. Connections to Other Scriptures • Isaiah 29:13—people honor God with lips but hearts are far. • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Jeremiah 7:11—Temple turned into a “den of robbers.” • Micah 6:8—justice, mercy, humility. • James 1:22—be doers, not hearers only. • Revelation 18—Babylon judged for hypocrisy and bloodshed, paralleling Jerusalem’s woes. Archaeological Notes • First-century phylacteries discovered at Qumran reveal typical size; Jesus contrasts their modest originals with ostentatious enlargements. • Ossuaries (bone boxes) from the Kidron Valley illustrate the whitened tombs image. • Stone inscriptions around the Temple Mount confirm strict purity regulations that framed Jesus’ metaphors. Practical Applications 1. Live what you teach. People may admire knowledge, but God requires obedience. 2. Keep devotion private when possible; seek the Father’s reward, not applause (6:1-6). 3. Hold minor practices loosely and major duties firmly. Spiritual disciplines matter, but love for God and neighbor matters more. 4. Resist title-driven status. Whether pastor, elder, teacher, or volunteer, the call is servanthood. 5. Let grief for sin mingle with hope. Jesus’ lament shows that even stern warnings rise from love. Key Reflection Verse “The greatest among you shall be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (23:11-12) Connections to Additional Scriptures Micah 6:8He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? James 1:22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. 1 Peter 5:5-6 Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Teaching Points Hypocrisy CondemnedJesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, saying, They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them (Matthew 23:4). This highlights the danger of imposing standards on others that we do not follow ourselves. Desire for Recognition The Pharisees are described as doing their deeds to be seen by others, loving places of honor and respectful greetings (Matthew 23:5-7). This serves as a warning against seeking human approval over God's. Woe to the Hypocrites Jesus pronounces a series of woes against the Pharisees, calling them blind guides and whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:16, 27). These vivid images illustrate the emptiness of outward religiosity without inward transformation. Neglecting the Weightier Matters Jesus accuses the Pharisees of neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, emphasizing that these are the weightier matters of the law (Matthew 23:23). This teaches us to prioritize the heart of God's commandments. The Call to Humility Jesus instructs His followers not to seek titles or positions of authority, but to serve one another in humility, stating, The greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11). Practical Applications Examine Your HeartRegularly assess your motives and actions to ensure they align with your faith. Are you living authentically, or are there areas of hypocrisy that need addressing? Seek God's Approval Focus on pleasing God rather than seeking recognition from others. Let your actions be driven by a desire to honor Him. Prioritize Justice and Mercy Make a conscious effort to practice justice, mercy, and faithfulness in your daily life. These are the true measures of a godly life. Embrace Humility Cultivate a servant's heart, looking for ways to serve others selflessly, following the example of Christ. People 1. JesusThe central figure in the chapter, Jesus delivers a series of woes and teachings directed at the religious leaders. He is portrayed as the authoritative teacher and prophet, calling out hypocrisy and urging genuine faithfulness. 2. The Scribes These were experts in the Jewish Law, responsible for copying and interpreting the Scriptures. Jesus criticizes them for their hypocrisy and for placing heavy burdens on the people without offering help (Matthew 23:2-4). 3. The Pharisees A religious and political group known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. Jesus condemns them for their outward displays of piety that mask inner corruption and for their focus on minor details while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:2-3, 23-28). 4. Moses Mentioned in the context of the "seat of Moses," which refers to the authority of teaching the Law. Jesus acknowledges the authority of the Law but criticizes the leaders for not practicing what they preach (Matthew 23:2). 5. The Prophets Jesus refers to the prophets as those whom the ancestors of the religious leaders persecuted and killed. He highlights the leaders' hypocrisy in claiming to honor the prophets while embodying the same spirit of opposition (Matthew 23:29-31). 6. Zechariah son of Berekiah Mentioned as a righteous person who was murdered, symbolizing the long history of violence against God's messengers. This reference underscores the leaders' complicity in the bloodshed of the righteous (Matthew 23:35). In this chapter, Jesus uses strong language to denounce the religious leaders' hypocrisy and calls for a return to genuine faith and righteousness. The Greek term "hypocrites" (ὑποκριταί) is used repeatedly, emphasizing the disconnect between their outward actions and inner reality. Places 1. Moses' SeatIn Matthew 23:2, Jesus refers to "Moses' seat," which is not a physical location but rather a symbolic place of authority. The term "Moses' seat" (Greek: καθέδρας Μωϋσέως, kathédra Mōuséōs) signifies the position of teaching authority that the scribes and Pharisees claimed, as they interpreted and taught the Law of Moses. 2. Jerusalem In Matthew 23:37, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her..." This reference to Jerusalem (Greek: Ἰερουσαλήμ, Ierousalēm) is significant as it represents the center of Jewish worship and the city that often rejected the prophets sent by God. Events 1. Jesus Warns Against the Hypocrisy of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-4)Jesus speaks to the crowds and His disciples, warning them about the scribes and Pharisees. He acknowledges their authority to teach the law but criticizes their hypocrisy, as they do not practice what they preach. The Greek term "hypokritēs" (ὑποκριτής) is used to describe their behavior, meaning "actor" or "pretender." 2. The Burdensome Traditions (Matthew 23:4) Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for tying up heavy burdens and placing them on others' shoulders, while they themselves are unwilling to move them with a finger. This highlights their legalistic approach, which lacks compassion and understanding. 3. The Desire for Recognition (Matthew 23:5-7) Jesus points out that the Pharisees perform their deeds to be seen by others. They make their phylacteries broad and the tassels on their garments long, seeking places of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues. The Greek word "phylaktērion" (φυλακτήριον) refers to small boxes containing Scripture, worn during prayer. 4. Call to Humility (Matthew 23:8-12) Jesus instructs His followers not to seek titles like "Rabbi" or "Father," emphasizing that they are all brothers and have one Teacher and one Father in heaven. He teaches that the greatest among them should be a servant, and whoever exalts himself will be humbled. 5. The Seven Woes (Matthew 23:13-36) Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, condemning their hypocrisy and blindness. Each woe addresses specific behaviors, such as shutting the kingdom of heaven in people's faces, making converts who are worse than themselves, and neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. 6. Lament Over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39) Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing His desire to gather its children as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they were not willing. He prophesies that their house will be left desolate until they say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Topics 1. The Authority of the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-3)Jesus acknowledges the authority of the scribes and Pharisees, instructing the people to observe their teachings but not to follow their actions. The Greek word "καθέδρας" (kathedras) refers to the "seat" of authority, indicating their position of teaching the Law of Moses. 2. Hypocrisy of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:4-7) Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they place heavy burdens on others but do not practice what they preach. The term "ὑποκριταί" (hypokritai) is used, meaning "hypocrites," highlighting their insincerity. 3. Call to Humility (Matthew 23:8-12) Jesus teaches about humility, emphasizing that greatness in the kingdom of heaven comes from serving others. The Greek word "διάκονος" (diakonos) means "servant," underscoring the call to serve rather than seek titles. 4. Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:13-36) A series of seven woes pronounced against the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and misleading teachings. Each woe begins with "οὐαὶ" (ouai), an expression of lament or denunciation. 5. Lament over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39) Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing His desire to gather its children as a hen gathers her chicks. The Greek word "συναγάγω" (synagagō) means "to gather together," reflecting His longing for their repentance and acceptance. Themes 1. Hypocrisy of the Pharisees and ScribesJesus criticizes the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, as they do not practice what they preach. He says, "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach" (Matthew 23:2-3). The Greek word for hypocrisy, "ὑπόκρισις" (hypokrisis), implies acting or pretending, highlighting their insincerity. 2. Burdening Others with Legalism The Pharisees are accused of placing heavy burdens on others without helping them. Jesus states, "They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them" (Matthew 23:4). This reflects the legalistic approach that neglects mercy and compassion. 3. Desire for Recognition and Honor The religious leaders seek public admiration and honor. Jesus points out, "They do all their deeds to be seen by men. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels" (Matthew 23:5). The Greek term "φιλαρχία" (philarchia) refers to a love of preeminence, indicating their desire for status. 4. True Greatness through Humility Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from humility and service. He instructs, "The greatest among you shall be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:11-12). The Greek word "ταπεινόω" (tapeinoō) means to humble oneself, emphasizing the virtue of humility. 5. Woes Against the Pharisees Jesus pronounces a series of woes against the Pharisees for their actions. For example, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces" (Matthew 23:13). The term "οὐαί" (ouai) is an expression of denunciation and lament. 6. Neglect of Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness The Pharisees are criticized for neglecting the weightier matters of the law. Jesus says, "You have neglected the more important matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23). The Greek word "κρίσις" (krisis) for justice, "ἔλεος" (eleos) for mercy, and "πίστις" (pistis) for faithfulness highlight these essential virtues. 7. Inner Purity over Outer Appearance Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity over outward appearance. He declares, "First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well" (Matthew 23:26). The Greek "καθαρίζω" (katharizō) means to cleanse, underscoring the need for internal righteousness. 8. Condemnation of Spiritual Blindness The Pharisees are called "blind guides" for their lack of spiritual insight. Jesus warns, "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:24). The Greek "τυφλός" (typhlos) signifies blindness, both physical and spiritual. 9. Prophetic Lament over Jerusalem Jesus laments over Jerusalem's rejection of the prophets and His message. He expresses sorrow, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her" (Matthew 23:37). The Hebrew root "ירושלים" (Yerushalayim) is significant as the city of peace, yet it has rejected the message of peace. Answering Tough Questions 1. (Matthew 23:9) How is “call no man father” reconciled with traditions that use fatherly titles for clergy? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Jesus' criticism of the scribes and Pharisees teach us about religious hypocrisy? 2. How does Jesus redefine greatness in His admonition to the disciples? 3. What can we learn from the "Seven Woes" about the dangers of legalism and losing sight of faith's heart? 4. How does Jesus' lament over Jerusalem underscore God's love for His people, even when they reject Him? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure our religious practices are not merely outward shows but sincere acts of faith? 6. How does Jesus' rebuke of the religious leaders affect your understanding of spiritual authority and leadership? 7. How can we balance adherence to religious rules with prioritizing justice, mercy, and faith? 8. In what ways does Jesus' criticism of those appearing righteous externally but are internally corrupt challenge us to cultivate inner righteousness? 9. How does Jesus' sorrow over Jerusalem's rejection impact your view of God's heart towards those who reject Him? 10. How do you respond to Jesus' assertion that the greatest must be a servant? 11. What steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of religious hypocrisy outlined in the "Seven Woes"? 12. How does Jesus' desire to gather Jerusalem under His wings reflect His care for us today? 13. How can we live out Jesus' teaching of humility and servanthood in our daily interactions? 14. What changes can we make in our lives to prioritize justice, mercy, and faith as Jesus instructed? 15. How can we encourage an environment that fosters internal righteousness over external appearances? 16. How does Jesus' lament over Jerusalem affect our understanding of His love and longing for humanity's salvation? 17. How can we guard against misusing religious authority as the scribes and Pharisees did? 18. What does the sorrowful prophesy about Jerusalem tell us about the consequences of rejecting Jesus? 19. How can we actively strive to maintain the purity and sincerity of our faith in light of the "Seven Woes"? 20. How does Jesus' lament over Jerusalem influence our response to those around us who reject Him? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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